The history of bookmobiles relates closely to other issues from the history of libraries. Bookmobiles in both rural and urban areas serve specific user groups, such as the handicapped, elderly, children, or the homebound. When focusing on who bookmobiles serve, it becomes clear that they not only represent changes in libraries that are caused by changes in transportation; they also represent episodes in the history of libraries meeting the diverse needs of their users.
 
When bookmobiles in urban areas bring books to the underprivileged in economically depressed areas, they are encouraging literacy and community-building. Bookmobiles also build community when they deliver materials to people in rural areas who cannot easily visit public libraries. When focusing on what bookmobiles bring to communities, they can be seen as tools to strengthen areas in need.
 
Over the past decade, bookmobiles, including the Cleveland Bookmobile and the Geauga County Bookmobile, have seen changes due to technology. The Cleveland Bookmobile provides computer and Internet access to patrons; while the Geauga County Bookmobile’s circulation system is now tied into the greater Geauga County Public Library computer system. Technology is improving bookmobile service in multiple ways.
           
Whether they are traveling country roads or city streets, Northeast Ohio’s bookmobiles are making library materials accessible to diverse populations. While there may be slight differences in the variety of materials available to patrons, or the amount of technology that they provide access to, rural and urban bookmobiles have a great deal in common.